American Gods Heading to HBO?

Two weeks after Neil Gaiman himself reported that American Gods was headed for adaptation comes a surprising update. A screen version is, indeed, on the way but, instead of heading to theaters, it may find a home as an HBO miniseries.

Deadline reports that the property has been picked up by Playtone’s Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman with cinematographer Robert Richardson attached to write the pilot alongside Gaiman.

The book, released in 2001 to many accolades, tells the story of a ex-convict, Shadow, and his navigation through a present-day America secretly filled with all the mythological gods and monsters of ancient history, long since immigrated to the United States.

“There is one cinematographer and director on board,” said Gaiman in the original story, “who has many, many Oscars and is I think is a genius. I love the fact that he fell in love with this about six or seven years ago and has not given up and just kept coming back and coming back.”

Gaiman’s words suggest that, if Hanks is being referred to as a director, the star could helm at least one episode (as he did with “From the Earth to the Moon” and “Band of Brothers”).

Gaiman, arguably best known for his comic book series “Sandman,” has seen his work adapted in Hollywood with adaptations of his novels Stardust and Coraline. His most recent book, The Graveyard Book is slated for a film version from Neil Jordan while a “Sandman” television is said to be in development with Gaiman’s involvement.

Hanks, meanwhile, will next direct and star in this summer’s Larry Crowne, hitting theaters on July 1st.